At a price difference of $.10/page, there is immense added value in Accessible ePub3 as a format choice.
Feature |
ePub3 @ $.80/page |
Accessible ePub3 @$.90/page |
Semantic Structure |
Relies on standard HTML semantics. |
Emphasizes proper semantic tagging, such as headings, lists, tables, etc., to enhance accessibility. |
Navigation |
Basic linear reading order and basic navigation elements (e.g., TOC). |
Improved navigation with landmarks, page lists, and navigation tables for easier content navigation by assistive technologies. |
Image Descriptions |
Alt text for images can be provided, but it may be limited or missing. |
Requires comprehensive and accurate image descriptions (alt text) to provide context and information for non-text content. |
Tables |
Standard HTML tables can be used. |
Requires proper table markup, including table headers and captions, to improve accessibility for screen readers. |
Forms |
Standard HTML form elements. |
Requires well-structured forms with properly associated labels and instructions. |
MathML |
Supported but not always utilized. |
Encourages the use of MathML for mathematical equations and formulas. |
ARIA |
Limited use of ARIA attributes. |
Utilizes ARIA attributes for improved accessibility, like ARIA landmarks and roles. |
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Support |
Basic TTS functionality is available. |
Enhanced TTS support with better synchronization and handling of reading order. |
Text Resize |
May or may not support dynamic text resizing. |
Should support dynamic text resizing without loss of content or functionality. |
Language and Spelling Assistance |
Relies on external tools and browser support. |
Provides built-in language and spelling assistance features. |
Media Overlays (audiobooks) |
Supported through external applications. |
Incorporates built-in support for media overlays, making audiobooks more accessible. |
Metadata for Accessibility |
Limited focus on accessibility metadata. |
Extends metadata support to provide specific accessibility information, like text-to-speech settings and accessibility features. |
Reading Order Control |
Reading order may not be explicitly defined. |
Allows for explicit reading order control through proper markup and techniques. |
Text Adaptation |
Limited control over text presentation. |
Allows users to adapt text presentation to suit their needs (e.g., change font, size, color). |
Text-to-Speech (TTS) Control |
Basic control over TTS settings, if supported by the reading system. |
Provides better control over TTS settings, like voice selection and speed. |
Multimedia Support |
Allows embedding of audio, video, and interactive elements. |
Encourages providing alternatives and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. |
Scripting |
Supports JavaScript for creating interactive and dynamic content. |
Encourages using scripting responsibly, ensuring accessibility is not compromised. |
Standards Compliance |
Complies with EPUB3 standard. |
Aligns with accessibility standards like WCAG, aiming for broader compliance. |
Certification Initiatives |
No specific certification initiatives. |
Organizations like Benetech Global Certified Accessible (GCA) may offer certification programs (e.g., Global Certified Accessible Program). |
Ongoing Development |
EPUB3 standard development continues. |
Accessibility features may be refined based on evolving standards and user needs. |